<![CDATA[Skip one level from N2 to K1?]]>Hello KSPs,


Understand there’s many bright kids’ parents and educators here. Need to pick your brain here: If you have a child at N2 level and slightly more advanced than other kids (as in ie. able to sound out the first 42 sounds, can do blending and read common sight words, able to read worksheet instructions and questions on his/her own, able to read Peter & Jane to say Book 6a without any help, enjoys numbers and can do dot-to-dot to more than 150, do simple mental sums and abacus, able to read simple Chinese reader books and recognition of Chinese characters, able to write numbers and not all letters yet), would you send him to a K1 class instead?

I see the pros of keeping the boy in N2 so that he can socialise with his peers and all of them can go to P1 together. To me, the 2.5-hr kindy class is like a babysitting service to the N2 kid now, as I need to free up some time to look after the older boys. But, if the N2 kid joins a K1 class, I believe he can learn more general knowledge and science in a school setup and whatever it is, at least he is learning new things. After his K2, he can always join another kindy’s K2 class. What do you think?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/2519/skip-one-level-from-n2-to-k1RSS for NodeSat, 18 Apr 2026 20:43:51 GMTMon, 30 Mar 2009 07:35:37 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to Skip one level from N2 to K1? on Sat, 25 Apr 2009 11:16:04 GMT]]>Hi Picolo,


My girl is having 1-1 private lessons. Both pte and group lessons have their pros and cons. Personally, I feel that parents and kids need to be more serious and committed with 1-1 lessons, whereas group lessons are generally less taxing and more fun. But of course, the milestones achieved are different as well.

Yamaha JMC is great for music appreciation and enjoyment. My son had a fun 5 months with that program. Even till today, he will sing and clap along whenever we play the Yamaha CD. The JMC program also comes with a DVD which enhances the joy of learning music. But parental involvement is required - parents/guardians must sit in with the kids for the 1hr long lessons.

So far, the only results I see are scraped knees 😛 (No serious injuries though). My hubby insisted that falling is part and parcel of learning to co-ordinate their bodies. But yes, my elder can control his movements, as in dodge, stop suddenly and mislead others (in catch), better. No complaints (abt the scraped knees) from me cos it gives me some personal time. :rahrah: Oh yes, and not forgetting a chance for the kids to expend their excess energy and strength.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/25985https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/25985Sat, 25 Apr 2009 11:16:04 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Skip one level from N2 to K1? on Thu, 23 Apr 2009 07:14:04 GMT]]>

EN:
[quote]
This one, I envy... I hope ds1 has the time to play and read everyday, but sometimes, by the time hwk is done, it's already time to go to bed.
Nothing to be envious about. He is not in the top 3 classes. I heard only those in top 3 classes & bottom 3 classes will have a lot of homework. Usually his homework is completed before 7 pm. He still managed to nap, watch tv and read before we settle down for dinner. Revision after dinner, read book again if I don't fall asleep while teaching :oops: [/quote]For my ds' school, I think every classes have the same amount of worksheets but the top classes have a lot of extra activities. So while other classes can finish most of their work in class, the kids from the top classes need to bring their work home and also prepare for the extra activities.

After talking to some other parents with kids in other classes (about 5th/6th/7th), it seems that my kid's teachers (both EL & CL) have higher expectation and requirements from his class, though all the classes seem to have the same worksheets/compo. His teachers are very strict with the Chinese strokes, the use/frequency of good phrases in writings, the way compre qsns should be answered, etc.. whereas I notice from my friends' kids' worksheets that the teachers are more 'lenient'.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/25666https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/25666Thu, 23 Apr 2009 07:14:04 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Skip one level from N2 to K1? on Thu, 23 Apr 2009 06:55:38 GMT]]>Hi Chamonix,


Does your gal attend the group (like Yahama) or 1-1 piano lessons? I'm wondering whether to send my 4 yo to the Yahama group course. Thought it might be more fun for this age group.

chamonix:
Now my hubby is trying to \"groom\" our kids for sports too. His way of grooming is, ha, very different - letting them run freely and playing catch. And the next thing he's gonna introduce them will be \"one-leg\" catching. 😐
Haha... do you see any significant benefits from your observation? I don't mind trying this out anyway, 'cos it sounds very easy (as in no preparation needed) and should be fun for my boys since they (esp. ds 1& 3) have so much excess energy...

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/25656https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/25656Thu, 23 Apr 2009 06:55:38 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Skip one level from N2 to K1? on Fri, 17 Apr 2009 00:44:59 GMT]]>[quote]
This one, I envy... I hope ds1 has the time to play and read everyday, but sometimes, by the time hwk is done, it's already time to go to bed.[/quote]Nothing to be envious about. He is not in the top 3 classes. I heard only those in top 3 classes & bottom 3 classes will have a lot of homework. Usually his homework is completed before 7 pm. He still managed to nap, watch tv and read before we settle down for dinner. Revision after dinner, read book again if I don't fall asleep while teaching :oops:

He likes phones too & once he off the house digital phone. Me and dh thought the phone was dead & was blaming on the brand (there's no off button) when ds just simply say that he off it cause the ringing phone disturb his sleep. :lol:
[quote] In 'good schools', for CCAs that the schools care about to send kids for competitions, the children are usually chosen into the CCAs, not the other way round. It's not just for competitive sports such as table-tennis and gym but also CCA such as Speech and Drama etc.[/quote]For school who has won in interschool competition, they usually will pick the students. Back in secondary school, my school requires all the secondary 1 girls to do the netball drill. The team picks the ones with flaire and will reject those who wanted to join but not good enough. During PE, the teacher will spot those who has the ability & will need to join the team as well. This is done to maintain the title they hold.

Same scenario for primary school students too. Be it drama, dance, sports etc.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/24487https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/24487Fri, 17 Apr 2009 00:44:59 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Skip one level from N2 to K1? on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:57:56 GMT]]>[quote]In 'good schools', for CCAs that the schools care about to send kids for competitions, the children are usually chosen into the CCAs, not the other way round. It's not just for competitive sports such as table-tennis and gym but also CCA such as Speech and Drama etc.[/quote]
I thought that is the norm all along, especially for the CCAs that involve competitions. No? At least that's what happened to my hubby in his primary school days. His teacher only selected a group of kids for badminton and groomed them. Now my hubby is trying to \"groom\" our kids for sports too. His way of grooming is, ha, very different - letting them run freely and playing catch. And the next thing he's gonna introduce them will be \"one-leg\" catching. 😐

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/24456https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/24456Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:57:56 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Skip one level from N2 to K1? on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:46:07 GMT]]>Hi Picolo,

Picolo:
I'm glad that my eldest has kind of got out of the 'dark period' during the initial P2 months, has gained more self-assurance and starting to do his homwork with more ease. Last dec holi was also to blame 😐 , he played so hard, and read too much, it was tough when there's homework/mini-projects and piano to practise everyday 'cos there's very little time left for play and reading.
I feel happy for you too.:D

Agree with you that as they get older, there's less time for playing and reading for leisure (as compared to preschool period). My sil told me that Sat afternoon is the only window for her son to really wind down. And with Math Olympiad training this year, I can foresee his time is even tighter. I shudder to think about my son's adjustment to primary school schedule next year.

Yup, I came across that thread too. But I'm not sure which level they were referring to. Just ran a check with a friend who is currently tutoring BT and PH kids (lower primary), BTPS has very little homework (aka less drilling). In fact, the PH kid is loaded with tests this term whereas the BT kid is having an easy time. Oh yes, PH has LOADS of homework. KeMing Pri is another school with LOADS of homework, according to my friend.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/24452https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/24452Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:46:07 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Skip one level from N2 to K1? on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 08:34:25 GMT]]>Hi EN,


Great to have you here! :lol:

EN:
Since your child is interested in PC or any electronic gadgets, why not allow him to explore his interest. Teach him basic software, like microsoft word, using different type of fonts sizes and colors, power point etc. I let my kids have my old unused camera and they have fun taking pictures and I assist them to download pictures in PC. They meddle with my PDA & handphone too. Of course, you will need to explain that PC, camera, handphone meddling can only be done with your presence and supervision.
That's the thing...he loves to explore my PC in my absence. Whenever I'm not at my PC, he just loves to click on all the \"X\" boxes and closes all the applications, then \"start\" and \"turn off computer\" !!! :stupid: Sometimes, he would open up Google Search and type \"starfall\" to play with its calendar. Anyway, I think you're right that I should teach him some useful stuff as suggested. And, \"PC etiquette\" too.

As for my HP, he loves to use it to take pics and record his voice. Soon, the memory is full and new messages can't get through.

However, for cameras, I do allow him to use it with my supervision and I actually love some of the pics taken by him, from his perspectives. And height. :lol:
EN:
...but still have plenty of time left to play.
:drool: This one, I envy... I hope ds1 has the time to play and read everyday, but sometimes, by the time hwk is done, it's already time to go to bed.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/24398https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/24398Thu, 16 Apr 2009 08:34:25 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Skip one level from N2 to K1? on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 01:27:25 GMT]]>[quote]What do you suggest? He loves to meddle with my PC,my cameras, my speakers, my mobile phone and any electronic gadgets and it's driving me crazy sometimes. I know, piano is time-consuming right? But, isn't it too early to learn now? He just turned 4 last month. What else?[/quote]
Hi Picolo

Dont mind me joining in late 😄

I am glad you choose the option of letting your child to continue his school.

Since your child is interested in PC or any electronic gadgets, why not allow him to explore his interest. Teach him basic software, like microsoft word, using different type of fonts sizes and colors, power point etc. I let my kids have my old unused camera and they have fun taking pictures and I assist them to download pictures in PC. They meddle with my PDA & handphone too. Of course, you will need to explain that PC, camera, handphone meddling can only be done with your presence and supervision.

As suggested by Deminc, take the cue from the child. You can introduce new activities and you will know which activities catches the child interest and which is not.

Mine now is into gathering information on luxury car. I bought him magazine on car (got to ensure the magazine don't have skimpily clad ladies) & he has a go on finding out facts on the car like the make, the engine, the top speed, the price etc. While on the road, he will take a look out if he can spot the cars that he reads. Nothing serious, he just do it for fun. Of course, he is a big boy now, in P2 but still have plenty of time left to play.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/24265https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/24265Thu, 16 Apr 2009 01:27:25 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Skip one level from N2 to K1? on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 05:49:14 GMT]]>deminc,


You'll know when your eldest goes to P2 or at least higher primary. In comparison, life when the kids are in pre-primary is so much more fun and blissful and we parents can structure the kids' schedules according to our whim and fancy. P1 is ok usually as homework is pretty minimal, although those kids whose basic foundation (can't read/can't write properly/etc) is not strong at all will suffer at P1. At P2, kids are streamed according to their abilities measured by their standard positions, which means to say no matter which class the kid is in, he is bound to feel some form of stress. This is esp. true when the kids are in the top 3 - 4 classes. Some kids strive in competitive environments but some don't. It's important to give the kids a lot of emotional support and restore their self-esteem.

I'm glad that my eldest has kind of got out of the 'dark period' during the initial P2 months, has gained more self-assurance and starting to do his homwork with more ease. Last dec holi was also to blame 😐 , he played so hard, and read too much, it was tough when there's homework/mini-projects and piano to practise everyday 'cos there's very little time left for play and reading.

About outsourcing to my older children... actually my youngest is quite 'maintainence-free' and, since he is still in pre-school, I am enjoying every minute of my time with him. No homework, no stress. He loves to occupy himself with those pencil & paper activities though, and my domestic helper can take care of him when I'm busy. When the older brother does his hwk, he will climb around and kay-poh but takes it all in. 2nd child is a slower learner so I 'contract out' to eldest one the word recognition/ spelling/ting-xie/math to him sometimes and play a supervisory role when I'm tired. He has been doing a great job.


Hi Chamonix,

There's a thread in another forum discussing about BTPS/PH/NY. You may wish to find out more. I read there that BT actually has more homework than PH :shock: (you know, PH is known for having a lot of hwk)!

In 'good schools', for CCAs that the schools care about to send kids for competitions, the children are usually chosen into the CCAs, not the other way round. It's not just for competitive sports such as table-tennis and gym but also CCA such as Speech and Drama etc.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/23692https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/23692Mon, 13 Apr 2009 05:49:14 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Skip one level from N2 to K1? on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 04:59:30 GMT]]>Hi Chamonix,


Thanks for the info on Logicmills. Will check it out when he's older.

I guess it must be My Gym. Personally we have never tried it but heard from a friend that it's worth trying, esp. when they provide a free trial. My older 2 didn't try gym at all but they take up swimming. For youngest one, I intend to let him try gym given his aptitude 😉 I find that kids younger than 5 y.o. don't really learn swimming as fast as those older, 'cos they are not physically big and strong enough to propel themselves in the water. So, for swimming, I'll wait.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/23671https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/23671Mon, 13 Apr 2009 04:59:30 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Skip one level from N2 to K1? on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 03:34:23 GMT]]>Hi deminc,


Haha, your mil must have been nagging at them for quite sometime before \"chiding\" them. Hmm, ever wonder what other skills they might be hiding? 😐

Will pm you more on BTPS later on. 😄

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/23206https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/23206Thu, 09 Apr 2009 03:34:23 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Skip one level from N2 to K1? on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 14:03:01 GMT]]>hi chamonix,


Hm, it didn't cross my mind that P1 children may not be allowed to join certain clubs yet. I was partly selecting schools according to CCAs that match DS1's interests.

With regards to chess, actually the reality was not so sweet, keke. I've known DH and his family for almost a decade and I've never seen a chess board in their home and didn't know that they play, much less teach. And after DS1 said he wanted to learn (he saw a chessboard at the toy shop), DH and FIL both still kept very quiet. After a few weeks of DS1's constant refrain, MIL suddenly spoke up and chided the two for being too lazy to teach DS1. Boy, was I surprised!

With regards to schools, well, I don't think he can get into Pei Hwa even with PV. We are just outside 2km, I think. We also prefer a secular school if possible. Their CCAs are attractive though, and not as chinese-centric as NYPS where almost all CCAs are pertaining to chinese culture.

I don't know much about Bukit TImah primary school. Have you had any feedback about it? For Henry Park, it's on the way to my husband's workplace, generally positive feedback on school culture, and apparently there isn't much homework.

picolo,
why not outsource some of it to your older children? Keep them both (or all three??) busy and out of your hair. 😄 I find that my younger one seem to learn more from gor gor than from me sometimes, and he's certainly very happy to follow gor gor around.

But of course, my kids are not that age yet so I'm only musing aloud. Perhaps reality will be very different by then and with three.

Back to your original post, you may want to watch out for signs of boredom and de-motivation as the year progresses. If that happens, then you will need to help your child find an area where he can be motivated to excel and move at his own pace.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/23121https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/23121Wed, 08 Apr 2009 14:03:01 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Skip one level from N2 to K1? on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 08:48:41 GMT]]>Hi Picolo,


Abacus will certainly help your son progress much further in math, especially he likes Math. Perhaps when he's older, you can consider Logicmills for him. Heard it's a good programme too.
[quote]c: Wow, seems like your kid is more into music and performing/arts.[/quote]Geez, I have never thought of it that way. But it certainly looks like so. She tried gym when she was 2+ yrs old and decided she didn't like it. She didn't want to do Aikido with her brother too. The only other course she's game enough to do is swimming.

Are you referring to My Gym at Hwa Chong? We were with them for half a year. We weren't happy with how things were run then. But that was March last year. Things might have changed. One thing for sure, there has been a hike in the fees. If I'm not wrong, they do offer free trial too.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/22835https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/22835Tue, 07 Apr 2009 08:48:41 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Skip one level from N2 to K1? on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 08:35:10 GMT]]>Hi deminc,


Learning chess and having a great bonding time with close ones - what more to ask for? Envy Thanks for offering to look out for me. I think I’ll just let him try out Chess next year in primary 1 (if the school allows).

If you are still feeling energetic at the end of the year, it might be a good idea to let him stay home. I would if I had the zest and energy.

We are considering BTPS too. Hmm, just curious, why not Pei Hwa? You are staying near Upper Bt Timah, right? Wouldn’t that sch be nearer?

Braz Gym is offering free trials end May. Why wait? Call them and let your ds2 have some fun!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/22830https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/22830Tue, 07 Apr 2009 08:35:10 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Skip one level from N2 to K1? on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 01:53:08 GMT]]>Hi chamonix and deminc,


😄 Wow, seems like your kid is more into music and performing/arts. So far, I haven’t seen my kid’s interests in these… he’s more interested in numbers, that’s why I sent him for abacus. He also like to do gym.-like stunts at home, so when I can gather more energy, I’ll start him on gym. Heard that the one held at Hwa Chong premise is good.

d & 😄 Basically, so much to do, so little time! Think I need better time management to handle the three kids…

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/22676https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/22676Tue, 07 Apr 2009 01:53:08 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Skip one level from N2 to K1? on Sun, 05 Apr 2009 17:27:46 GMT]]>picolo,


Some passing thoughts on music lessons - I think music/instrument is a very personal thing. If music/an instrument \"speaks\" to the child, time flies even during practice time. But what some kids may not like is to be asked to \"perform\" for others, and this may erode the pleasure they take in the music.

You have to observe and see what it is that intrigues him. If it's how things work, a gear set may interest him. Some things that can be taken apart e.g bicycle bell, kitchen timer. If he's interested in visuals, consider a lomo camera, kaleidoscope, shadow puppets etc.

Mostly I find that kids are sometimes just more interested in \"real\" things than toys. If he likes to explore, put together an outdoor exploring kit for him - magnifying glass, bug jar, net, binoculars. (Be prepared for twigs, leaves, pebbles and insects at home).

And of course, you'll have to spend some time showing him how to use them, taking him to interesting places where he can use them or see them in use.

And don't forget the great outdoors. We recently discovered kite-flying. Wah, really take up one whole afternoon with nothing to show for at the end. But it was great fun for everyone. :lol:
Check this out -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9I7LCehGQ8

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/22455https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/22455Sun, 05 Apr 2009 17:27:46 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Skip one level from N2 to K1? on Sun, 05 Apr 2009 17:04:26 GMT]]>Hi Chamonix,


it was nothing. 🙂 It's great that your son has settled nicely in school. We still have a few areas to work on, but things are much better now, thank goodness. Sitting on the fence with regards to next year(K2)'s schooling, and for now, I've not yet done anything about PV. Dragging my feet over it. We're considering either Henry Park or Bukit Timah Primary. NYPS...good school and not too far, but heard it can be quite competitive which might not suit my children's temperaments.

My son is signed up at Bishan Sports Hall, near the grandparents' place and I kinda like the fact that the coaches speak Mandarin. But Braz Gym may be good when the time comes for ds2 - he was trying to climb up the door-frame last night! 😐

DS1 is not going for any formal class, he just plays with FIL and DH. FIL is a chess teacher at his primary school, and they play every weekend. For the rest of the week he plays with DH or me. I did see a banner at Turf City advertising chess classes. If I see the banner again I'll get the number for you.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/22452https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/22452Sun, 05 Apr 2009 17:04:26 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Skip one level from N2 to K1? on Sat, 04 Apr 2009 01:13:32 GMT]]>Hi deminc,


I have yet to thank you for the sharing. So, here's the belated 'Thanks'. 😄 My son was having some problems (issues related to classmates) with school at the start of the year. Phew, we have finally resolved it and now he's settling happily in school.

Home is still the best place for young kids, isn't it? They get comfy, and we get comfy too. 😉

Have you started writing to schools for PV? If NYPS is on your list, do note that there's a deadline for writing in.

Which gym is your son with now? I just got to know Braz Gym is starting an operation @ Safra Jurong this June. The teacher-student ratio is capped at 1:8 and no more than 8 in a group. Something to look out for if you want smaller classes.

My friend has been encouraging me to start the kids on chess. But the place she recommended is in Bishan. Am too lazy to travel that far. Is your son's chess class located in the West?

I'm really glad to hear the happy tone in your posts. Tells me you have everything under control now. :celebrate:

Hi picolo,

How about getting some construction sets or Lego for your N2? That might help keep his hands off your electronic gadgets and keep him occupied both mentally and physically.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/22328https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/22328Sat, 04 Apr 2009 01:13:32 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Skip one level from N2 to K1? on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 18:19:10 GMT]]>Hi Chamonix, it's been a while. 🙂 my kid is at home too, it gets pretty comfortable. But now I have to start thinking about primary school. :roll:


picolo,
just go with your child's interests and personality - encourage the interests and balance out the personality. my child's interests are in chess, art and construction sets. We introduced him to taekwando for confidence-building and he will be starting gym. Music and drama classes are good expressive outlets.

As long as your child finds something he's passionate about, it will take up a lot of time, even if it's just watching insects! 😄 As parents, we just provide them with opportunities to explore different things.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/22320https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/22320Fri, 03 Apr 2009 18:19:10 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Skip one level from N2 to K1? on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 07:19:39 GMT]]>Hi Picolo,

[quote]I know, piano is time-consuming right? But, isn't it too early to learn now? He just turned 4 last month. What else?[/quote]It would really depend on your boy and your level of patience. I'm keeping my almost 4 year old at home as we (as in she and myself) decide we are not to ready to spend time away from each other. On the academic front, I have no worries as she's also pretty advanced for her age. In fact, to avoid being too focused on the academics, she's taking a couple of programmes concurrently - violin, piano, chinese, arts and ballet. On my part, it's quite easy to get her to practise the instruments because she enjoys them. Another reason is she wants to be on par with her brother (also learning both instruments). One way to determine if your son is ready for piano is to get him assessed by a piano teacher. That's what I did for my girl. 😄

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/22264https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/22264Fri, 03 Apr 2009 07:19:39 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Skip one level from N2 to K1? on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 06:57:35 GMT]]>Thanks deminic, I saw your post yesterday but didn't have time to respond immediately. Thanks icemountain for your post too.


After sourcing around briefly, I find the Montessori schools fees too expensive for me. The fee I am currently paying is only about $170/mth. Why my N2 kid is in this current (flexi-time) childcare/kindy is because it is near to the market and so I can save time - drop him off and buy some stuff quickly. If I really really cannot fetch him due to the extra school activities of my older boys, my domestic helper can always be activated. So, I'm not ready to give up all the convenience by changing school.

Though my kid has only started N2 for a month, he is very comfortable with his friends and he already has a best friend. My son can remember my mobile no. and this morning, he told me he gave my no. to her (the girl also purposely stopped me to tell me that when she saw me.) He always introduce me his classmates and even the other N2's class friends to me when I fetch him from school.

So, even if I'm prepared to transfer him to another school, I believe it is not in his interest to do so. Actually, I just found out that in this pre-school, K1 is not so easy as the kids will need to learn spelling and tingxie. :shock: My 2 older boys never had spelling and tingxie at K1 and K2 but they are still coping quite well now. Anyway, I think this N2 kid will enjoy spelling because at the beginning of this year, he 'threatened' (well, that's what it seemed to my ds2- the P1 son then) to learn the spelling words faster than his gor-gor, and insisted that I photostat a copy of the spelling list for him.

While checking on Montessori methods from the web, I realise that I actually have many similar toys and activities I bought pretty long ago, and I could introduce the suitable materials I have to my kid systematically in the afternoons. So, thanks ksmummy, foreverj and radiantmum.

And, I will keep him at N2 level at the current kindy.

deminc:
Good to start cultivating hobbies now, especially hobbies that take up a lot of time, hahaha.
What do you suggest? He loves to meddle with my PC,my cameras, my speakers, my mobile phone and any electronic gadgets and it's driving me crazy sometimes. :x I know, piano is time-consuming right? But, isn't it too early to learn now? He just turned 4 last month. What else?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/22259https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/22259Fri, 03 Apr 2009 06:57:35 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Skip one level from N2 to K1? on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 05:47:28 GMT]]>I would keep him in N2. At this age, the focus of preschool education should be learning socialisation skills, working in groups, learning to take instructions i.e. the "softer" skills in preparing the child for the more academically focussed primary level.


If he’s happy in his class, it’ll do for me. Another concern of moving him up is that he may be unhappy seeing his K2 friends eventually leave for primary schools and him having to make new friends in his K2 class. Plus, even if he transfers to another kindy, he will still be learning K2 level materials all over again, for the entire year.

He sounds bright, you can do your part by encouraging his learning interests at home.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/22238https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/22238Fri, 03 Apr 2009 05:47:28 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Skip one level from N2 to K1? on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:42:46 GMT]]>

Picolo:

I see the pros of keeping the boy in N2 so that he can socialise with his peers and all of them can go to P1 together.
Even in K1 half the class would not yet be reading/writing in the first few months. For me the most important thing is whether or not he enjoys his classmates. If he's very comfortable I would just leave him and provide other activities at home. But if the level of play/conversation is very different, it may be just a very frustrating/boring 2-3 hours for the child.

Good to start cultivating hobbies now, especially hobbies that take up a lot of time, hahaha.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/21859https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/21859Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:42:46 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Skip one level from N2 to K1? on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:10:11 GMT]]>Thanks for your inputs, ksmummy, foreverj and radiantmum.


I didn’t know I have the option of putting him in a Montessori-based kindy where kids can progress according to their personal advancement. Will check it out. Thanks so much. Would I be able to tell from a kindy’s name that the kindy is Montessori-based, or, where can I find a list of such kindys near my place? I stay in the West, around Bt Batok. If anyone has a good one to recommend, please let me know. Thanks.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/21746https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/21746Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:10:11 GMT